Top Festivals in Dubai: Celebrating Culture and Joy

Dubai is a hub of culture, tradition, and festive celebrations. Whether it is the religious Eid in Dubai Festivals such as the Eid Al Fitr or the global attractions like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai hosts dozens of events throughout the year. We will take you through all the best festivals in Dubai with their dates, highlights and things to do over there.

Dubai’s Best Festivals: Dates, Highlights, and Must-Do Activities

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), December 6, 2024 – January 12, 2025

The Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long retail therapy celebration, with must-try events and mega sales at malls such as the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates. Apart from all these, Dubai has plenty of events such as Food Festivals in Dubai and fashion shows, where you get to enjoy live concerts, fireworks and street performances. It is the ultimate destination for public holiday in UAE shopping.

Dubai Marathon, January 12 2025

The Dubai Marathon draws elite and recreational runners from around the world. Runners are treated to stunning views of the Dubai skyline on the flat and fast marathon course. There are categories for a fun run so it is open to anyone at any level of fitness. It’s a significant sporting event in Dubai, with momentous crowds and a festival atmosphere.

Sikka Art Fair, January 31 to February 9, 2025

The Sikka Art Fair is a celebration of emerging talent in the UAE and takes place in the historic Al Fahidi Historical District. This Dubai during March festival has art exhibitions, live music and interactive workshops showcased during a month-long festival. Unlike art fans in other cities, tourists can dive into installations and performances for a taste of Dubai’s cultural and artistic heritage. It’s a stimulating event for lovers of art as well as those interested in the local creative scene.

Dubai Food Festival (DFF), February 14–16, 2025

The gigantic festival will guide diners through the city’s diverse gastronomic landscape during the Dubai Food Festival. A true feast of culinary delights, it offers a variety of cuisines from food trucks at the Beach Canteen to fine dining restaurants on the Dubai Restaurant Week circuit. Guests can participate in cooking classes, sample global flavors and enjoy live music. The festival is a showcase for Dubai’s global culinary credentials.

Eid Al Fitr, 30 Mar, 2025 – 31 Mar, 2025

Eid Al Fitr is the festival of breaking the fast of Ramadan and is marked with festive congregation, prayers and charity. It is also a time when families gather to break bread, celebrate community and exchange gifts. It will consist of several festivities which will take place at Jumeirah Beach and Downtown Dubai and an action-filled day celebrating Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha at IMG Worlds of Adventure. These are some of the best places to visit in Dubai during the Eid holidays.

Eid Al Adha, 6 Jun, 2025 – 9 Jun, 2025

Eid Al Adha, or “Festival of Sacrifice”, honors Prophet Ibrahim’s dedication to God. The celebrations are marked by prayers, family feasts of traditional Emirati cuisine and donations to those in need. Cultural performances and activities organized by tourism venues, including Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village are open around this public holiday in UAE. It’s a season of giving, tradition, and togetherness.

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year), 25 Jun, 2025 – 26 Jun, 2025

As it begins with the lunar calendar, the Islamic New Year is one of introspection, and is observed with prayers and gatherings. This would be the perfect time to seek out cultural events that showcase Dubai’s Islamic heritage.

Global Village Festival, October 16, 2024 to May 11, 2025

Global Village is a cultural festival hosting more than 70 nations showcasing their food, handicrafts and entertainment. Tourists will get to explore themed pavilions, live entertainment and handicraft stalls. You get carnival rides and family-friendly live shows for fun excursions.

UAE National Day, December 2, 2025

The unification of the seven emirates that make up the UAE is celebrated on UAE National Day with extravagant displays of pageantry, traditional performances and patriotic shows. You get everything from singing and dancing to fireworks displays and cultural showcases at landmark venues including La Mer and JBR Beach. It’s a day to be proud and celebrate.

Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), April 18–20, 2025

It showcases films from the Arab world and beyond and it’s where you’ll find filmmakers, actors and film lovers. There are also screenings, workshops and panel discussions, which are held at venues including Madinat Jumeirah. It’s a show of young talent and a tribute to storytelling, and a cultural experience like no other for moviegoers.

Dubai Jazz Festival, 06 March 2025 - 08 March 2025

A leading music festival featuring Arabic and international artists, it is set to be held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, where the sounds of soulful jazz, blues and contemporary music makes for a magical atmosphere. With that, guests will also have access to gourmet food and drinks on the weekend, star-studded sets of performances, and everything else that helps make the event so famous.

Art Dubai, April 18–20, 2025

Art Dubai is an international contemporary and modern art fair at Madinat Jumeirah. It includes shows and workshops as well as talks, and is a celebration of creativity and culture.

Diwali in Dubai, 20 Oct, 2025

One of the biggest communities in Dubai celebrates the extravagance of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights.” The famous Meena Bazaar and Al Karama feel the magic this time of the year. Shopping malls and restaurants offer special promotions and festive menus combo. This enables each traveler to catch the fireworks, cultural acts, music & dance. It is a festive occasion that honors Dubai’s multiculturalism and spirit of togetherness.

Conclusion

Dubai festivals indulge you with its rich culture, traditions and modern entertainment. Whether it’s shopping galore in Dubai Shopping Festival, tantalising your taste buds at Dubai Food Festival, or visiting with family over Eid in Dubai, each event has a different offering. So if you’re looking for a taste of the nightlife and the element of Dubai, then plan your voyage around these holiday celebrations.